Beginning Algebra Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

MATH-0302-023 Beginning Algebra

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: MATH 0301 or AEMA-0001-minimum grade of C, TSI Math score of 336 or an equivalent score on a state approved test</p>

Course Description

Operations with real numbers; exponents and polynomials; operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations in one and two variables; absolute value; basic geometry; introductory graphing; factoring polynomials; applications.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Elayn Martin-Gay, Beginning Algebra, 6th ed., Pearson

Supplies

1. PREREQUISITES:

   You should be enrolled in Math 0302 due to one or more of the following:

2. A THEA test score of 180 to 229;
3. An TSI (computer alternative to THEA) placement test score of 336-343
4. A score of 9 to 16 on the Amarillo College Math Placement Test;
5. Completion of Math 0301 with a minimum grade of “C”;
6. A student’s desire to begin his/her math education in this course despite a higher test score.

SUPPLIES

 

1. Choice of eText (included in MyMathLab) or Hardback Textbook
2. Blue-line graph paper – 4 or 5 squares per inch
3. Blue-line notebook paper, pencils, erasers, a ruler or straightedge
4. Skill Drill booklet to be purchased in the AC Bookstore or the Hereford Campus Student Service Center.  
5. Students may use a scientific calculator with no graphing capabilities
6. Amarillo College Student ID
7. MyMathLab Access Code for use at home or at AC
8. 3 ring binder with dividers
9. Access to printer (Printer available in Learning Center for 10 cent a copy)

Student Performance

After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Mathematics Department.

• Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on signed numbers.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of imaginary numbers.
• Apply the rules for exponents to simplify expressions.
• Apply the arithmetic operations with polynomials and work with the many applications of polynomials.
• Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on algebraic expressions.
• Algebraically solve linear equations in one variable.
• Graph linear equations in two variables using ordered pairs and intercepts, and using the slope-intercept method.
• Evaluate systems of linear equations in two variables using methods of graphing, substitution and addition.
• Algebraically solve and graph linear inequalities in one variable.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of geometry applications.
• Understand and apply factoring to binomials, trinomials, and four-term polynomials.
• Apply algebraic skills to solve equations from various types of stated problems, then state the solution in a complete sentence.

  Operations with real numbers with an introduction to the complex number system; exponents and polynomials, operations with algebraic expressions; linear equations in one and two variables; linear inequalities in one variable; basic geometry; introductory graphing; systems of linear equations in two variables; factoring polynomials; applications.
 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS / CLASSROOM GROUND RULES:    
Students are expected to behave in the classroom, Learning Center, and Testing Center in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment.  Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to: tardiness/leaving early; electronic device noises; talking during lectures; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful language; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students and/or property.

In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered.  The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met.  Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered.

Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student’s Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Mathematics and Engineering Department Chair and/or other AC authority; withdrawal from the course and/or the college.
 

FOOD / DRINK POLICY AND CELL PHONE / PAGER POLICY:
It is the policy of the Mathematics Department that food and drink may be allowed in the classroom setting, at the instructor's discretion, but food and drink are not allowed at any time in the Learning Center or Testing Center.  Students may have food and drink in the Student Lounge (Room 122) but must police the area upon departure.

It is the responsibility of each student to police the area he occupies of litter, food and drink containers, and any spill that have occurred before leaving the classroom.
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It is the policy of the Mathematics Department that cell phones and pagers should be turned off, or in silent mode, in the classrooms, Learning Center, and Testing Center.  In the Testing Center, all cell phones must be turned off or in silent mode as a courtesy to other students who are testing.  Cell phones should remain in purses, pockets, or clips.  At no time should a cell phone be out and/or visible. Cell phone calculators may not be used.  Headphones, IPODS, and any device requiring headphones are not allowed in the Testing Center.   
 

Grading Criteria

GRADING POLICY:

Accessing Grades Online

• Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
• Click on your course.
• Click on My Grades on the menu to the left.

• Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
• Scroll down to Self Service on bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.
• Under current student, click on Academic Profile and then Grades.

• The six chapter test grades used for averaging (each chapter test counts 10% – total 60%).
• If a student’s skill drill grade is higher than his/her lowest chapter test grade, the skill drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
• Homework average from MML for semester (counts 5%).
• Notebook average (checked at Midterm and at end of semester) (counts 5%)
• Skill drill grade for semester (counts 10% on its own and could also count as a replacement chapter test grade.  See “B” above).
• The final exam grade (counts 20%).
• Attendance: possible +/- of points to final average (see General Attendance Policy, page 6).

4.     Grades will be given as follows:

            A    89.5 – 100
            B    79.5 – 89.4
            C    69.5 – 79.4
            D    59.5 – 69.4
            F    Below 59.4 (Unsatisfactory

 

6.         A grade of “F” will be earned as follows:

• You complete the course with an overall average below 60.
• You do not complete the course and do not drop the course in time to receive a grade of “W” and do not meet the requirements listed below for a grade of “I” (Incomplete).
• You receive an “I” (Incomplete) after signing an Incomplete contract, but do not satisfy the conditions for removal by the agreed-upon date.
• You violate the cheating and plagiarism policy.

7.     Incomplete:

• A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is not generally given in developmental math courses.  Any exceptions will be made by your instructor on an individual basis, and only for extreme circumstances.
• A grade of “I” (Incomplete) will be possible only if the student has at most the Final Exam and one Chapter Test to complete.  If the instructor agrees to give the student an Incomplete, the student must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of “I” to the letter grade earned by the student.  The student will have a maximum of three months from the date the contract is signed to fulfill these requirements.  If the student has not met those requirements by the end of the three months, the grade of “I” will automatically be changed to a grade of “F.”

8.         Withdrawal:  You will receive a “W” for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in the AC Program/Course Guide.

HOMEWORK - Following the presentation of materials in class, an online homwork assignment will be assigned in MyMathLab for each section of the book covered.  Homework assignments are due, fully completed online, by 11:59 PM on Sunday immediately following the week of instruction.  Assignments will not be accessible after the deadline set unless amended by the individual instructor.

   The problems due from MML program should be worked on notebook paper (or graph paper as needed), and kept in order in your notebook with each section labeled at the top right of the page.  The problems assigned are similar to problems in the textbook and to the test problems.  You are required to do the assignments in MML.  You will need to practice using the toolbar before you attempt the assignments in MML.  You need to be competent in entering your answers.  You may continue to work on an assignment to make a better grade up until the due date for the assignment. 

  You may access MML by going to:  www.mymathlab.com.  You must register online following the steps outlined in the Student Access Kit.  When registering, enter the Access Code in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.  The course I.D. for the semester will be provided to you by your instructor.

Late homework for any section(s) will only be accepted with written verification from a physician of a lengthy illness and/or approval by the instructor.  Nevertheless, homework may be completed early tif the student is going to be absent.

Homework Notebook - The Homework Notebook must be a 3-ring binder with dividers.  They must be brought to class each class period and will be checked periodically by the instructor.  They will be graded twice during the semester.  They will include:

• Title Page (Your name, Math 0302-(section), Fall 2014, Mrs. Jan Wilks)

        Dividers:

• Syllabus
• Reflective Test Journal
• Class notes
• Homework
• Test Reviews

Homework Assignments

• On lined notebook or graphing paper as needed
• Completed in pencil
• Started on anew page for each section with the section title in the top right corner
• Organized running down the page with up to two columns of work (back of paper may be used)
• Answers circled

Overall Homework Average will be calculated by averaging your MML homework average and your notedbook average.  This grade will carry the same weight as one chapter tests grade.  Submitting all of your homework and keeping a detailed notebook is one of the best things you can do to imporve your grade

 

SKILL DRILLS - NO makeup Skill Drills are given for any reason

• Skill Drills will be given at the beginning of each class period
• Each Skill Drill is graded as 4 points with a total of 128 points available. 
• The Skill Drill average is the total points accumulated over the semester with the highest score being 100
• If the Skill Drill average is higher than the lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating your final average

 

CHAPTER TESTS

1. Prior to testing, a required online Test Review with a score of 70 or higher must be completed.  Multiple attempts are allowed.  (The format for completing the Test Review is the same as that of the Homework.)  A printed Test Review result of 70 or higher must be presented to the Testing Center personnel when requesting a test.  The tests over each chapter must be completed by the deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will give a first attempt test deadline and a second attempt deadline. The tests will be graded by your instructor. The grade will generally be available no less than two days after the test is taken.  All of your tests are stored in the Learning Center during the semester. Approved staff will be available so that you may review a and complete your Reflective Test Journal for any test you have already taken any time the Learning Center is open. You must present an Amarillo College Student I.D. every time you review a test in the Learning Center. The staff will retain your I.D. while you review your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test. Please note: Under no circumstances may a student take any test or questions from a test out of the Learning Center.
2. If you score less than 70 on your 1^st Attempt, you will be required to complete a minimum of 30 minutes of mandatory tutoring before taking the 2^nd Attempt!!  A “Record of Tutoring” form must be presented to the Testing Center to be allowed to take the 2^nd Attempt.
3. Each chapter test may be taken a maximum of two times.  The higher of the two scores will be used for averaging.  Tests must be taken in sequence, and you cannot go back to improve your grade after taking a different test.  You should carefully review your first test and other study materials before repeating a test. 
4. If a student’s first attempt at a test is late, he/she will NOT be given a second attempt on the same test.
5. Any chapter test that is not taken by the instructor’s 2nd deadline will result in a loss of 5 points per day, excluding days the Testing Center is closed.  The only exception to this policy will be if the student has an emergency.  Written verification of extenuating, verifiable circumstances will be required.
6. Students who have special needs will take their exams under the supervision of disAbility Services.

TUTORING

When using the Learning Center, students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College ID.

• In an effort to increase retnetion in developmental mathematics courses, an student who scores below a "70" on any chapter test (1st Attempt) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Learning Center before taking the 2nd Attempt.
• Appointments may be made in the Learning Center for the 30 minute tutoring or are usually available as "drop ins."
• A "Record of Tutoring" form will be given to you when you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring.  You will not be allowed to take your next attempt without the completed Record of Tutoring form.
• Some peer tutor will be available at the Learning Center for tutoring.

 

 

 

Attendance

GENERAL ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and be on time for daily attendance check.  Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.  Leaving class early or prior to dismissal time will be counted as an absence.  You will be rewarded for perfect attendance, not only because you will receive the instruction you need to do the assignments, but you will also have two points added to your final average.

16 week classes
 

Classes meet 2 times a week
Perfect attendance:  2 points added to final average  
1 - 3 absences:  no change in final average
4 - 5 absences:  1 point deducted from final average
6+ absences:  3 points deducted from final average    
 

 

Calendar

Additional Information

TESTING CENTER                                                 LEARNING CENTER

TESTING CENTER RULES

• Books may be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test.
• To request a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
• All tests must be taken in order. Once a test is taken, you may not go back and take a previous test.
• An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Math Testing Center. 
• No scratch paper or notcards are allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Math Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
• In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
• The Math Testing Center will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time.
• The Math Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
• Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results.
• Tests may not be taken out of the lab.
• The Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, on AC Connect, and in the lab itself. 
• Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any test.
• Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
• CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
• Cell phones must be turned off as not to disturb other students who are testing. NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course! 

MyMathLab Homework Instructions:

• Go to www.mymathlab.com
• Sign in
• Click on our Course
• Click on Assignment you want to work on
• Begin with Question 1
• Work the problem on your paper and CIRCLE the answer
• Enter Answer on computer:  Watch for details!
• Click  Check Answer at the bottom.  If your answer is correct, then you will click OK
  • If incorrect, you may seek help at the top right or come back to the question later.
• Click the next circled number at the top to move on to the next problem
• When you have completed the entire assignment, click  SAVE at the bottom.  If you do not complete the entire assignment at one time, be sure to  SAVE  before you leave MyMathLab to save your work to complete later.
• Be sure to use the button on the right to help you if you need help with problems.
• Homework assignments for each week will only be available through Sunday, 11:59 pm.
• Student Tech Support   1-800-677-6337

Begin your homework assignments early in the week to give ample time to return and correct problems. 

 

Test Reviews on MyMathLab

• Test Reviews require a score of 70 before you are allowed to take the Chapter Test in the Testing Center. 
• To avoid missing Test Deadlines and incurring late penalties, you will want to complete the Test Reviews in a timely manner.

Suggestions:

• Begin the Test Review immediately after completing the last HW assignment in the Chapter.
• A score of 70 is satisfactory, but not necessarily adequate to prepare you for the Chapter Test.
• Take your time and work accurately!!!  You are unable to CHECK ANSWER on individual problems during the Test Review.  Once you’ve completed the Test Review correct and incorrect problems are indicated.  A score less than 70 will require reworking the entire Test Review!  Take your time and work accurately!!! 
• Use unsuccessful Test Review Attempts to help you achieve a successful attempt.  Don’t make the same mistakes! (each Test Review is slightly different but contains similar problems)